2024

Preserving the Past While Serving the Future: Integrating medium scale density housing development with historical charm and child friendly spaces in Devonport

Katherine Isidro

[email protected]
+64211891757
Laneway
Laneway leading into the central courtyard coming from Calliope Road

The housing crisis in Auckland, driven by rapid population growth and a shortage of affordable housing, presents significant challenges, particularly for middle-income families. This thesis explores how to balance urban intensification with preserving the local heritage, focusing on Devonport, a historic suburb with rich Māori and maritime history. Despite urban pressures, Devonport has maintained much of its architectural heritage. The research examines how new housing developments can integrate with this heritage, ensuring future growth does not erode the suburb’s historical character. The proposed design focuses on medium-scale intensification. This approach addresses Auckland's housing crisis by enhancing livability and fostering a sense of community, while preserving cultural and historical identity. The thesis proposes that sustainable urban growth can be achieved without sacrificing the heritage of established communities, offering a model for future housing solutions in Auckland.

New Zealand's rising population and housing shortage have intensified pressure on both the government and architects to find affordable solutions. The imbalance between housing demand and supply has led to homelessness and affordability issues, particularly for young people and low- to middle-income earners. This has highlighted the urgent need for increased urban intensification to meet growing demand. The crisis calls for immediate, innovative solutions and policies to address the challenges of increasing the affordable housing supply.

The proposed medium-scale housing development in Devonport seeks to balance urban intensification with the preservation of the suburb's historical character, while also addressing the need for child-friendly spaces and community well-being. The design integrates modern housing with Devonport's heritage, drawing inspiration from traditional Victorian villas. Elements such as pitched roofs, decorative facades, and local materials respect the suburb’s aesthetic. Neutral-colored concrete and timber community spaces modernize the design while maintaining visual harmony with the area’s history.

Housing units are carefully positioned to respect the scale of existing homes. Terraced units align with the street to avoid overshadowing, preserving the suburb’s visual integrity. The development also includes a central courtyard designed as a hub for outdoor play and social interaction. With features like sandpits and a fitness area, the space encourages a healthy, active lifestyle for young residents and fosters community engagement across all ages.

The inclusion of a boat shed and community garden provides a “third place” for socializing and recreation, offering both residents and locals areas to connect outside of home and work. These spaces not only strengthen community ties but also honor Devonport’s history, supporting social and individual well-being. The development successfully balances urban growth with historical preservation, creating a vibrant, community-focused environment that prioritizes both social interaction and quality of life.

Collages1
Collages from early on exploring the idea of old and new
Calliope elevation final
Calliope Road Elevation
Site plan with label
Site Plan
Green plan
Floor plans of community spaces (central courtyard and community garden/boat sheds)
Calliope mt sec copy
Clarence street
Overall site
Overall site view
El render
Calliope Road 3 bedroom housing unit (left), Clarence Street 2 bedroom housing unit (right)
Central xourtyard
Community Space (central ourtyard)
Boat shed
Community Space (boat shed and community garden)
Laneway 2
View from central courtyard into the laneway leading out to Calliope Road